Comparison of social skills and problem behaviours of children with different developmental disabilities

Abstract

Objectives Difficulties in social skills, such as a lack of understanding of emotions and thoughts, deficiencies in problem-solving, and struggles in establishing peer correlations, can negatively impact both the social and academic dimensions of one’s life, resulting in the emergence of problematic behaviors. Studies have consistently shown a correlation between the social skills and problem behaviors of children with developmental disabilities. Therefore, it may be essential to compare the social skills and problem behaviors across various developmental disabilities and understand the correlation between them to design effective intervention programs. Methods In this study, the social skills and problem behaviors of 172 children and 18 teachers in inclusive classrooms, special education classrooms, and special education schools were analyzed. The Social Skills Rating System-Teacher Form assessed children’s social skills and problem behavior profiles with different developmental disabilities. Results The findings revealed that children with autism spectrum disorder exhibited the most significant social skill deficits and the most intense problem behaviors. Following autism spectrum disorder, those with intellectual disabilities, learning difficulties, and language and speech difficulties experienced elevated levels of social skill deficits. In terms of problem behaviors, after autism spectrum disorder, those with intellectual disabilities, language and speech difficulties, and learning difficulties exhibited the most intense problem behaviors. Gender differences were observed, with girls demonstrating higher social skills and lower problem behaviors than boys. Children with developmental disabilities receiving inclusive education showed higher social skills than those educated in special education schools. Additionally, a strong negative correlation between the social skills and problem behaviors of children with developmental disabilities was identified. Conclusions Our results show that social skills and problem behaviors of children with developmental disabilities vary according to the type of disability, age, gender, and educational settings. In addition, our results show that improving the social skills of children with developmental disabilities can effectively prevent and reduce problem behaviors.